Barcelona overwhelms a league that already looks too small for them

Four rounds into La Liga, Barcelona already look as if the competition is too small for them. They have taken all 12 points, scored 17 goals and played with the sense that they still have another gear. Valencia were the latest victims, beaten 5-0 at Mestalla, while Real Madrid lost to Betis and Atlético Madrid collapsed at San Mamés.

The win in Valencia was another display of Barcelona’s abundance. As Pedri noted, Hansi Flick does not have a 40-goal striker, but the team may not need one. Lamine Yamal scored twice, Fermín added a goal and two assists, Raphinha delivered again, and Pedri controlled the game before scoring. The debate over the absence of a dominant number nine already feels outdated. The goals can come from everywhere.

Rodri also made his first start and settled into the centre of the game, directing play and hitting the crossbar with a header. Dani Olmo came on to provide two assists, while Gabriel Jesus made his debut after the match was already decided. That is Barcelona’s most intimidating quality: Flick can change the pieces without changing the way the team imposes itself.

Valencia arrived in disarray and left in a worse state. Kiat Lim made his first official appearance in the directors’ box as supporters protested against the ownership, board, Corberán and the players. The supporters’ section did not enter until the 19th minute, and the protest ended with a display of handkerchiefs. With one point, one goal scored and last place, Valencia are no longer experiencing a bad run. The crisis runs through the whole club, and Barcelona simply put it on the scoreboard.

Real Madrid’s defeat was harder to explain. They created enough chances to win at La Cartuja, hit the posts three times and won a penalty in stoppage time, but scored none. Álvaro Valles saved Mbappé’s penalty, while Betis took their chance through Parrott after a rebound from Courtois. Atlético’s problems were more severe: Nico Williams and Robert Navarro scored in the 46th and 48th minutes, exposing a team that had no response once the match turned against it. Sancet completed Athletic’s win. Alavés, Sevilla and Deportivo also claimed attention, but Barcelona remain the clear force at the top.